The ICOM Executive Board is pleased to announce that it has formally decided to establish three new National Committees: ICOM Palestine, ICOM Rwanda, and ICOM Sudan.
This important milestone reflects ICOM’s commitment to strengthening its global presence and supporting museum professionals in all regions of the world. The decisions made by the ICOM Executive Board at its 175th and 176th Sessions mark the first step towards the full establishment of these National Committees. Each will be considered fully operational once it has been incorporated as a legal entity within its country, adopted its Statutes in compliance with ICOM’s statutory and regulatory texts, and held elections for its first official board.
This confirms the growing momentum of the museum sector across the Middle East and Africa and highlights the importance of inclusive and regionally anchored representation within ICOM’s global structure.
The creation of an ICOM National Committee is rooted in the organisation’s commitment to democratic and participatory governance. This process is initiated by a formal request submitted to the Director General of ICOM, signed by at least eight ICOM members in good standing who are based in the same country. Once the request is received and reviewed by the Secretariat, it is submitted to the Executive Board by the Director General for consideration and final decision. This member-driven approach ensures that the establishment of a National Committee reflects genuine local engagement and the collective will of the museum community in a given country.
The role of ICOM’s National Committees
An ICOM National Committee represents the organisation and its members within a specific country, ensuring strong local engagement and contributing to ICOM’s global mission. Each National Committee is represented at the Advisory Council and participates in the General Assembly, playing a vital role in shaping ICOM’s direction. They are central to ICOM’s mission. They support local museum professionals by fostering professional development, facilitating international collaboration, and advocating for museum standards and ethics within their national contexts.
With the addition of Palestine, Rwanda, and Sudan, ICOM now counts more than 120 National Committees worldwide. These new committees will serve as vital platforms for museum professionals in their regions, connecting them with the global ICOM community and enabling greater participation in international programs and initiatives.
Looking ahead
ICOM welcomes the decision to create these three new committees. The establishment of ICOM Palestine, ICOM Rwanda, and ICOM Sudan, marks an important moment of growth and inclusivity for the Organisation. Each committee will play a unique role in advancing museum practices, preserving cultural heritage, and promoting access to culture within their national and regional contexts.
ICOM is committed to the prevention of, and response to, conflicts and crises that affect museums and cultural heritage on a global scale. The establishment of new National Committees will enable ICOM to provide members in conflict-affected regions with a platform to voice their concerns and to receive support from the extensive ICOM network.
ICOM looks forward to accompanying these committees in their development and integration into the broader ICOM network.